Ruth Haines
Austin–Bergstrom International Airport, located at 3600 Presidential Blvd in Austin, Texas, has a rich history dating back to World War II. The airport stands on the foundations of the former Bergstrom Air Force Base, named after Captain John August Earl Bergstrom, the first Austinite killed in World War II. The base was decommissioned in the early 1990s, and the land was returned to the City of Austin. After the closure of the Robert Mueller Municipal Airport, Austin's first municipal airport, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport opened on May 23, 1999, carrying on the legacy of the Bergstrom Air Force Base. The airport has since undergone expansions and renovations, including the addition of the Barbara Jordan passenger terminal, and continues to serve a diverse range of travellers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Austin-Bergstrom International Airport |
| Address | 3600 Presidential Blvd, Ste 411, Austin, TX 78719, US |
| History | Del Valle Airfield was renamed Bergstrom Army Airfield in 1943 after Captain John August Earl Bergstrom, the first Austinite killed in World War II. It became Bergstrom Air Force Base in 1947/1948 until its decommissioning in the early 1990s. The current airport opened in 1999. |
| Funding | Funded without tax dollars; the airport's budget is covered by the people and businesses that use it. |
| Expansion | Undergoing a major expansion program entitled "Journey With AUS" to accommodate increased travel demand. |
| Phone Number | +1 512-530-2242 |
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What You'll Learn
Airport Boulevard's connection to East Austin activism
Airport Boulevard in Austin, Texas, has a long history that dates back to the early 20th century. The road is particularly notable for its connection to East Austin activism and the city's rich cultural heritage.
One notable figure associated with Airport Boulevard is Willa Mae Kirk, an activist and community organizer who played a significant role in the East Austin community. Her efforts were instrumental in advocating for the health and well-being of the neighbourhood, particularly in addressing the impacts of living near bulk fuel storage tanks. The work of Willa Mae Kirk and other activists like her has left a lasting legacy on the area, with their commitment to social and environmental justice still remembered and celebrated by the community.
Another important aspect of Airport Boulevard's connection to East Austin activism is the presence of longstanding businesses and residents who have contributed to the vibrant and diverse culture of the neighbourhood. One such business is Dan's Hamburgers, a beloved local eatery that has been a fixture on Airport Boulevard for generations. The restaurant is known not only for its delicious food but also for its role in fostering a sense of community and belonging for locals.
In addition to its activism and community spirit, Airport Boulevard is also known for its artistic contributions. The ART-ON-THE-CORRIDOR initiative showcases the creative talents of local artists and celebrates the unique cultural identity of the neighbourhood. This includes the dedication of the Willie Mae Kirk Library in 2012, honouring the legacy of the renowned activist.
The history of Airport Boulevard is deeply intertwined with the social, cultural, and economic development of East Austin. The area has witnessed significant changes over the years, including the transformation of Austin's aviation landscape, with the opening of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in 1999. Despite these transformations, the community's activism and dedication to preserving their neighbourhood's unique character remain steadfast.
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Businesses on Airport Boulevard
Airport Boulevard in Austin, Texas, has been a site of businesses and community growth since the 1920s. The area has seen a mix of old and new developments, with a focus on preserving the city's historic roots. The history of Airport Boulevard is deeply intertwined with the expansion of Austin, reflecting the city's evolution.
One of the longstanding businesses in the area is Dan's Hamburgers, known for serving some of the best burgers in Austin. The restaurant is located near the intersection of Airport Boulevard and Springdale, and it has become an integral part of the vibrant community. The corridor is also home to iconic businesses like Lammes, a candy store founded by William Wirt Lamme in 1878. Lammes is famous for its "Texas Chewie Pecan Praline," a delicious treat made with pecans from the Colorado River in Austin. The store moved to Airport Blvd in the 1940s and continues to be a beloved fixture in the neighborhood.
In addition to these longstanding establishments, Airport Boulevard has also seen new culinary ventures. The Omelettry offers a variety of omelet dishes, including the Popeye's Favorite, a tasty combination of spinach, bacon, and sauteed onions. Quality Seafood, another popular spot, serves coastal fare and has been a fixture in Austin for over 80 years. Their offerings include $1 Gulf oysters, peel-and-eat shrimp, and a boiled lobster special on Saturdays. For those with dietary restrictions, Sweet Ritual crafts artisanal dairy-free ice cream using ingredients like nuts and coconut milk.
The boulevard also boasts a variety of restaurants catering to different cuisines. JewBoy Burgers puts a unique twist on the classic burger with their pastrami and latke-topped creations. Heo Eatery and Bun Belly specialize in steamed bao buns, offering a taste of Asian cuisine. For Mexican food enthusiasts, there are restaurants that serve authentic Mexico City dishes and juicy street tacos with spicy salsas. Kerbey Lane is another beloved eatery in the area, known for its lively atmosphere and delicious food.
Airport Boulevard holds a significant place in Austin's history and continues to be a thriving hub of culinary delights and community spirit. The area's businesses contribute to its vibrant character, attracting locals and visitors alike.
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Airport Boulevard's history
Airport Boulevard in Austin, Texas, is a four- to six-lane urban roadway that runs just east of the city's central business district. It is named Airport Boulevard because it once formed the southern boundary of Robert Mueller Municipal Airport, which served as Austin's main airport until 1999. The airport was closed when Austin-Bergstrom International Airport was opened, and the former airport site is now being redeveloped into a mixed-use residential, retail, and commercial district.
The history of Airport Boulevard is closely tied to the history of aviation in Austin. Robert Mueller Municipal Airport, originally known simply as Mueller, was Austin's first municipal airport. It was located on the outskirts of town in the 1930s, but as Austin's population grew rapidly, the airport became landlocked, surrounded by urban growth on all sides. By the 1970s, the city began considering options for a new airport as Mueller could no longer accommodate the increasing flight traffic into the city.
In the early 1990s, the Bergstrom Air Force Base was decommissioned and the land was returned to the City of Austin. The city council decided to build the new airport on this site, and construction began in November 1994. The new Austin-Bergstrom International Airport opened to the public on May 23, 1999, with a 12,250-foot runway, one of the nation's longest commercial runways.
The original Mueller airport site continued to play a role in Austin's history even after it ceased operations as an airport. The site was redeveloped and became home to businesses, residents, and schools, contributing to the vibrant and strong community in the area. One well-known business that moved to Airport Boulevard in the 1940s is Lammes, a candy store and kitchen that has been in operation since 1878 and is famous for its Texas Chewie Pecan Praline. Dan's Hamburgers, another beloved local eatery, can also be found near Airport and Springdale.
In recent years, there have been efforts to honour the history and heroes of the Airport Boulevard community. In 2019, a portion of Airport Boulevard was renamed the "Richard Overton Memorial Highway" in honour of America's oldest WWII veteran, who lived to be 112 years old. Additionally, the ART-ON-THE-CORRIDOR initiative showcases the stories and activism of long-time residents, such as Willa Mae Kirk, who helped organize East Austin activism, and Pete Rivera, who shared his experiences growing up near the creeks and greenbelts of the area.
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The origin of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport's name
When the Air Force became its own military branch in 1948, the base was renamed Bergstrom Air Force Base. It retained this name until it was decommissioned in the early 1990s, with all military aviation ceasing in 1995. The land was then returned to the City of Austin, which decided to use it to replace the old Robert Mueller Municipal Airport as the city's main airport.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA), which opened on May 23, 1999, was built on the foundations of Bergstrom Air Force Base. The new airport was named to honour Captain Bergstrom and to carry on the legacy of the Bergstrom Air Force Base. The construction of the airport cost $585 million, and it was funded without the use of tax dollars. The airport is owned and operated by the City of Austin, with its entire budget being covered by the people and businesses that use it.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has undergone significant growth and expansion since its opening. It is currently undergoing a major expansion programme, "Journey with AUS", to accommodate the increasing travel demand. The expansion includes the construction of a new arrivals and departures hall, as well as Concourse B, which will initially feature 20 gates and could be expanded to up to 40 gates in the future. The airport is the third busiest in Texas and the 27th busiest in the United States by passenger traffic.
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The history of Austin's municipal airports
Austin's first municipal airport was the Robert Mueller Municipal Airport, which opened in the late 1920s. By the 1970s, Austin was rapidly outgrowing the old airport, which sat landlocked on 711 acres in the middle of the city. In 1971, the Federal Aviation Administration proposed that Austin and San Antonio build a joint regional airport, but this plan never came to fruition.
In 1990, Congress ordered the closure of the Bergstrom Air Force Base, which was eight miles from the Capitol and had been in operation since the 1940s. The City of Austin hired John Almond, a civil engineer, as Project Director for the new airport, which was approved by 63% of voters in a 1993 referendum. Groundbreaking for the new airport began in November 1994, and construction started in October 1995, after the old tower was demolished.
The new Austin-Bergstrom International Airport opened to the public on May 23, 1999, with a 12,250-foot runway, among the nation's longest commercial runways. The airport was built on the foundations of the Bergstrom Air Force Base, which was named after Captain John August Earl Bergstrom, the first Austinite killed in World War II.
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Frequently asked questions
Airport Blvd in Austin, Texas, is named after Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, which is located at 3600 Presidential Blvd, Austin, Texas.
Austin's first municipal airport was the Robert Mueller Municipal Airport, which opened in the 1920s. As the city outgrew this airport, a new airport, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, was opened on May 23, 1999.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is named after Captain John August Earl Bergstrom, a reservist in the 19th Bombardment Group, who was the first Austinite killed in World War II.
Airport Blvd in Austin is home to several locally known businesses, including Dan's Hamburgers, Mrs. Johnson's Bakery, and Lammes.
